THE leader of Blaenau Gwent Council has voiced his concerns at a Welsh Government think-tank suggesting a toll charge for the Heads of the Valleys.

In a report to AMs, the National Assembly’s research service warned a “strategic approach” to finance road improvements, such as ‘road pricing’, could be needed.

But Des Hillman said the move would stifle regeneration in the borough and act as a barrier to tourism.

The researchers, who offer impartial advice to AMs, warn that the 35% cut in transport capital would prompt more creative ways to raise money.

And although the Heads of the Valleys improvements escaped the cuts – with the £150m Brynmawr to Gilwern stretch now confirmed for a 2020 completion date – the road could be used as a potential money-spinner for other projects.

Speaking after the report, Blaenau Gwent Council Leader Des Hillman said it would stymie everything from new business to the day-to-day traveller if such a move was implemented.

“We aim to make Blaenau Gwent as accessible as possible. Any form of charges could act as a potential barrier for some visitors to the area,” he said.

"Tourism, like all sectors, is an area affected by the current economic situation. Making the Heads of the Valleys road a toll road may have a detrimental impact on tourism in Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys area.

“It would also prove to be an unacceptable obstacle to encouraging new businesses into the HOV area. It would have a detrimental effect on the regeneration of Blaenau Gwent.

“A fair charge price depends on people’s abilities to pay and how important the use of the road is to them. Safety is important to every road user.”

Tim Shallcross, Wales officer at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, believes it’s unlikely politicians would have the nerve to introduce road pricing purely to raise funds for transport projects.

However, he said the A465 could potentially work as a pay-as-you-drive scheme as motorists would have the choice of avoiding the toll by using the M4.

Mr Shallcross said: “We’ve got a charging scheme on the M6 Toll motorway, near Birmingham, that seems to work reasonably well. People have a choice there. You could potentially have a pricing scheme for the Heads of the Valleys road, because you have the M4 alternative. If I’m going from the Midlands towards where I live (in Carmarthenshire), I can use the M4 or Heads of the Valleys. Residents would not be penalised for short journeys on the road if exit tolls at each junction were based on distances travelled.”